79. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Korea 1
103. On instructions from Rhee Ambassador Yang asked Robertson 12 August if US would give date on which NNSC activities in ROK would be terminated.2 Robertson said impossible. Explained subject has received great and continuing attention but necessary act in way taking account positions our allies and Swiss and Swedes who accepted responsibilities upon our request. Strongly protested demonstrations which create much more complicated situation. Emphasized neither we nor Swiss and Swedes will act under threat and UNC will take all necessary action protect teams. Robertson suggested Yang tell President we agree completely teams should be eliminated and working best our ability to do so, that Secretary has not forgotten his remarks to Rhee, that we have worked hard to accomplish result and will continue to do so, but essential demonstrations be stopped.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/8–1255. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Hemmendinger and Robertson. Repeated priority to Tokyo with instructions to pass to CINCUNC.↩
- A memorandum of this conversation, drafted by Hemmendinger, is ibid. ↩
- Rhee did not stop the demonstrations, but on August 14 he issued a statement indefinitely extending the deadline given the NNSC to withdraw from Korea and counseling the demonstrators to conduct the demonstrations in a patient, nonviolent manner. (Telegram 197 from Seoul, August 14; ibid., 795.00/8–1455)↩